INFORMATION

For many generations, there have been stories told about a elusive wolf pack that resides in the Grim Woods. The territory consists of thick forest, so dense that sunlight cannot fully penetrate the tree tops. Flowers only grow in select few areas where there are breaks in the trees or little hidden patches of sunlight. Legends claim that the forest holds creatures from nightmares. Anyone who ventures into the Grim Woods is truly testing their luck. It is best to be avoided by anyone who is unfamiliar with the territory.

But a pack allegedly resides within those dark woods. It has been their home for as long as anyone could remember. At least, that is what the legend claims. The legend paints them as mysterious and full of trickery and deceit. They cannot be trusted. They are mad. They are deadly and cunning. These wolves are made out to be savages. To have never stepped in the power of the sun. They do not make contact with any of the other packs. Generations of their solitude have turned them away from the normal customs.

They are seen as monstrous outsiders. Damned souls who should keep to the shadows and should not be trifled with.

And what if those stories held some truth to them?

These stories are usually told to young pups as mere cautionary tales or as warnings. Wolves have casted these stories as make-believe. No one has seen any sign of wolves in those forests in generations. No one even bothers to enter the Grim Woods because there are far safer and better territories.

But something does lurk in the shadows.

The ShadowBane pack has made it their home for countless generations. They are well aware of the stories that are spun about them, too. And while they are not completely mad and insane monsters, they are a bit more dangerous than your typical wolf. Their home, for one, hardens them from a young age. On top of that, their training and standards for warriors is intense, making them a skilled pack. The rumors of them being elusive is true, as no one actually has seen them in a very long time. It has been so long since a sighting that another theory about them is that they merely died off. However, they are good at not being seen when they don't want to be. They pride themselves on their cunning as well.

Their secrecy and elusiveness is what makes their tales so intriguing. However, one night when they step out of their shadows and into the sun, it all changes. They emerge from their forest, crossing the open land to attend a gathering with other packs. Everyone is astonished, scared, confused, or all of the above. They are real. They are here.

They carry themselves cooly, remaining calm and quiet.

Then, they make their demands heard. They have had troubles at their borders. Someone has been provoking them. The ShadowBane wolves seem to be asking for help? Or at least making this news heard. Or are they conducting a secret investigation to see if these neighboring packs are guilty?

Little do they know, there is a secret coalition that is forming. Wolves from the Moon, Dawn, and Night pack have met in secret. They have one common enemy: the ShadowBane pack. They intend to try and turn their packmates against the dangerous wolves. They want to gain power. They want to see the ShadowBane wolves fall.

Loyalties will be tested.

Secrets will be unearthed.

And blood will be spilled.

_

Character List

ShadowBane pack

Alpha
Hawk - Red Moon

Beta
Sikunhuak - Male - Spellbound

High Warrior
Everest - Female - Nirvana_Sky

Warriors
Zoran - Male - Red Moon
Iris - Female - Dawnforest
Juniper - Female - Moonlight Wolf
Tedashii - Male - Nirvana_Sky
Tamar - Male - Boeing
Valkyria - Female - Tenebris Umbra

Shaman
Visha - Female - Bruiser

Omegas[Locked]
Trainees[locked]
Mothers[locked]
Pups[locked]

Moon Pack

Alphas
Lunella - Female - Spellbound

Betas

Pack Members
Nirvana - Female - Red Moon

Mothers[locked]
Pups[locked]

Dawn Pack

Alphas

Betas

Pack Members
Allouette - Female - Spellbound

Mothers[locked]
Pups[locked]

Night Pack

Alphas
[Reserved for Lost Rune]

Betas

Pack Members
Hymir - Male - Spellbound

Mothers[locked]
Pups[locked]

__________________________________________________________________

OPEN

Hawk - Male - ShadowBane Alpha - Mentions: Shadowbane pack, other packs, Sikunhuak, open

The alpha treaded through the dense forest. Specks of sunlight dappled his brown pelt, scattering across his muscled back and shoulders. Hawk's dark chocolate eyes remained forward while his ears casually flickered back and forth occasionally. His plumey tail wavered calmly as he padded through the Shadowbane territory. Ferns and grasses grazed his creamy legs, offering a light tickling sensation as he passed through the land. His land.

His shoulder muscles rippled with each quiet step as he lead his pack towards the edge of their territory. It had been so long since the legendary ShadowBane pack had emerged from their shadowy woods. So many generations had passed since they had emerged or been spotted that other packs had believed them to be dead, gone, or just a tale. But today, they would prove them wrong.

Hawk huffed to himself, still walking with an eerie calmness that would unsettle anyone. He looked so comfortable and confident as he strode through his own land. Land that had been protected for so many years, partially thanks to the deadly reputation of the ShadowBane wolves. Stories claimed they were evil, cunning, and dangerous. Snappy and deadly creatures who lacked morals and would bring anyone to death rather quickly, with or without reason.

Today though, Hawk and his pack were going to step into the light. He and the pack knew that the Moon, Dawn, and Night pack all had seasonal meetings. ShadowBane was never in attendance, but this time, they would be. Something had come up within the past few months. Something that had concerned the ShadowBane leader enough for him to emerge from the shadows and attend the seasonal meeting among the other packs.

It was definitely going to be an interesting meeting. Probably an event that would be shared through stories for countless generations. The day the ShadowBane wolves emerged from their shadows and sat beside other fellow wolves.

Hawk cast his dark gaze behind him at his pack members who were following. He flicked his tail towards Sikunhuak, his beta, as if summoning the male up to his flank. "I am not sure how these wolves will respond to our presence. I am thinking they will be scared and skeptical. Which is fine, but I don't want there to be any violence unless necessary. If they lunge first, then we will do what must be done. But I do not want any of us to make the first move. They are already probably going to fear us, we do not need them to distrust us more than they already do."

The reason Hawk and the other ShadowBane wolves had come to the meeting today was due to a chain of incidents at their borders and even within their territory. While the issues had not lead to any deaths, it did lead to a few injuries. It also was a sign that they were not safe. Not impenetrable or invincible, as they once were. Hawk was here to do some digging on the matter. And perhaps even test the waters for an alliance of some kind.

The pack was nearing the end of their territory. The edge of the woods was now in sight for them. Once they crossed the treeline, they would be entering a small space of neutral territory where the rest of the packs would be meeting.

Zoran - Male - ShadowBane - Mentions: Open

The large wolf treaded behind his alpha and along with the rest of the pack. His thick pelt was quite bothersome in the summer's heat. Flowers and trees were in full bloom, insects buzzed with activity and prey was easy to come by. All of the great things that summer months brought was upon them. Including the dreaded heat. It was at least bearable under the shade that the dense ShadowBane territory offered, but it was not as cool as Zoran preferred. He did better in fall and winter months.

His pink tongue lolled out of his jaws as he padded after the others. Zoran's amber eyes peered around at his packmates, wondering what they were all thinking of this. ShadowBane hadn't left their territory for generations. And now, here they were, all following Hawk out into the neutral territory of Moon, Night, and Dawn pack. It was a crazy idea. Perhaps some would even say desperate. ShadowBane's name itself could sometimes send chills down one's spines. But here they were, coming to the seasonal meeting in peace.

The order from Hawk had been clear.

Play nice.

Or as nice as ShadowBane wolves could and were willing. It was not going to end as a full brawl. They were to behave themselves and try to even create some form of an alliance if they could. It was a bit of a crazy plan, but Zoran trusted Hawk. And Zoran didn't really have much of a say in the matter anyway.

Zoran cast his warm gaze around, glancing for anyone whom he could share a few words with. The pack was coming up upon the neutral territory soon, and he didn't want to be gossiping or playing around in front of the three packs. Best get his words out now rather than later when the serious discussions were to happen.

Valkyria moved silently through the dense woods, her steps barely audible. The sunlight hardly managed to pierce the thick canopy, casting fleeting shadows across her pelt. Her eyes, sharp and vigilant, scanned the terrain before her. Even her movements were that of a silent, graceful waltz, as if she were performing an otherworldly dance on the forest floor. It was clear that she was tense, her muscles rippling beneath her coat, ready to spring into action at the first sign of danger.

The ferns and grasses brushed against her legs, parting willingly as she advanced. Her steps were deliberate, each one placed carefully. As far as anybody was concerned, she was but another shadow within the woods, blending seemlessly into the backround. Her head hung low as she trailed behind Hawk, watching his every movement—monitoring the pack's every move. She could sense the weight of his determination. After all, today marked a significant change for them. The other packs-Moon, Dawn, and Night- were accustomed to their absence. Today, they would face the reality of ShadowBane's return.

Valkyria's senses heightened, her resolve hardenening. She needed to preparefor anything. However, she did not falter. She trusted Hawk, after all, he was her friend, and she respected his leadership. She would not have followed silently behind if she hadn't, that much was known about Valkyria. If anything needed mentioning, she would have taken it upon herself to speak.

Pausing to take in her surroundings, her eyes briefly settled on Sikúnguaĸ before shifting to her mother. A passing thought crossed her mind, contemplating approaching her for a check-in, yet an internal reservation held her back. Opting instead to quietly observe from a distance, she occasionally threw subtle glances in her mother's direction. Amidst this observation, her gaze drifted over to Zoran, lingering on him for a moment. Although not particularly inclined to engage in conversation, she couldn't help but notice Zoran's behavior. She knew him better than most, recognizing his habit of stealing glances around the pack and his attempts to catch the attention of anyone who made eye contact with him.

If it were anybody else, she wouldn't approach. But it was Zoran, and when he needed somebody, she was there.

Veering his way, Valkyrie's steps were as silent as a whisper, betraying her presence only to the most keen of observers. She approached, falling into step alongside of him. "Quite the trek, isn't it?" Head fixated forward, she refused to meet his gaze. "You seem at home in this heat," she remarked, her voice carrying an undertone of amusement as her eyes flickered over him then. It was clear that he was struggling with the weather, his thick fur proving especially burdensome in the humidity. Almost absentmindedly, she reached over and plucked a twig out of his fur, the motion as natural as breathing. "Hard to believe we're almost there," she added softly.

Zoran - Male - ShadowBane - Mentions: Valkyria

When the smell of petrichor wafted into his nostrils, Zoran’s ears flicked with acknowledgement. The scent was the first sign of Valkyria’s presence, and her soft paw steps were the second sign. He didn’t change anything about his posture or his gait as she fell into step with him seamlessly. It was as if they were on the same wavelength. That is what happened after years of friendship, after all.

Quite the trek, isn’t it?

Zoran huffed a breath, his warm amber gaze flicked over to his friend. Her tone did not give any hint of how she was feeling about the situation, but if he had to guess, she was at least a bit nervous or apprehensive. Perhaps the comment on the trek was to retain a little normalcy in such an odd time. He didn’t blame her. They were all probably on edge with this plan, after all. He glanced to Hawk, watching the male march on without any falter. At least it seemed Hawk was certain in this decision. And when Hawk was set on something, no one could change his mind.

“Definitely taking an interesting route today. Our little trip past the tree line will be a story for ages.” He muttered back, a small smirk spread across his face, just imagining that this one action of theirs would make such an impact.

You seem at home in this heat.

Ah, he heard the amusement in her voice. It caused a twinkle of amusement to shine in his own gaze before he swung his head around to look at her. “Yes, I just love this weather. I am so warm and snuggly in my big fur, the sun and heat is just the cherry on top.” He joked, rolling his eyes. “Makes me the perfect blanket if you ever get cold at night, dear.” He added in a smooth tone. He was a natural flirt. Comments like that rolled off his tongue like honey often. The handsome wolf made it seem too easy. As if he didn’t know how his words could affect others, make them fall for him or swoon over him. Or maybe he did know, and he just enjoyed it.

He blinked and slowed his pace for a moment as Valkyria plucked a twig from his thick pelt. He mused, “What if I wanted that there? I decided I am going to be pretending to be a tree at this meeting, hoping I don’t scare the wolves too badly. How was my costume coming along? I suppose you have ruined it a bit. But I trust your vision.” He gave her an amused and charming grin.

When she remarked about how far they have come, he nodded. “Can’t turn back now.” He whispered as he saw the end of the tree line, a serious tone dripped into his previously playful voice. Within a minute or so, the pack would be in the sunlight of the neutral territory. His nose picked up a subtle whiff of the Moon, Dawn, and Night wolves who were probably already discussing their topics for their seasonal meeting.